String List to Display in a Tooltip instead of Asterisk (*) Mark

Today I got a very unique Client requirement wherein my client wanted to see a list of all the Platform names in the tooltip which are being used by an application. In my current scenario, one application may use more than 20 Platforms and I cannot show list of all Platform names in my dashboard because if I do, I will definitely loose the essence of my dashboard. So , I thought it’s better to show 2,3 Platform names on my dashboard and wrapped the rest with ellipsis like Platform A,B,C…. which did solve my problem from design perspective but created another issue for me. As per current Tableau behavior, we cannot show all the names in our Tooltip unless we implement some hack. Let me give you a small overview on Tooltip. These are additional data details that display when you rest the pointer over one or more marks in the view. Special thanks to Jonathan DrummeyandMatt Lutton for helping me with this. Hope this helps you guys as well.

Step 1:

For better understanding , I am using the Superstore dataset here which comes along with tableau.

Drag Sub category on your text label. You worksheet will look like the below image .

Step 2:

When you use this sheet in your dashboard , it will look like the below image.

Note : You may use the entire View for this sheet based on your Space availability .

Step 3:

Now when my user hovers over my sub categories, it will show the list of all the names on

my Tooltip instead of single name.Currently, it will show only one name at a time.

Refer the below image

Step 4:

Lets solve this Problem by writing a table calculation . Here , we will use the a Tableau

Function “Previous Value”. Before writing the Calculated Field , let me give you an overview

on what this function can actually do.The PREVIOUS_VALUE() function is self-referential

and effectively recursive.The value provided to the function (between the parentheses) just

defines what’s returned for the first row of the partition, for the rest of the partition

PREVIOUS_VALUE() returns the value of the entire calculation from the previous row.

I am a multidisciplinary designer working in data visualization, interaction design and innovation. Expertise in developing Tableau, Web focus based visualization and reporting applications. I have a passion for analyzing, dissecting, and manipulating data sets as well as, building beautiful dashboard. Naturally talented in communicating between technology and business needs. Diverse and experienced in plenty of different domains .I am quick learner who can absorb new ideas and can communicate clearly and effectively.I love creativity and enjoy experimenting with various technologies.